Civil Engineering 101
An Introduction to Civil Engineers and What They Do
Civil engineering is one of the oldest of the engineering professions. Ancient feats such as the building of the Egyptian pyramids and Roman road systems are based on civil engineering principles.
Civil engineers can be found in all areas of society from small private contractors to municipal agencies, federal government organizations, and the military. One of the largest civil engineering organizations in the United States is the Army Corps of Engineers, which despite its name is a primarily civilian organization focused on the development of canals, locks, and dams; flood control, and other public works projects.
Civil Engineering Education
Because civil engineering focuses on the study of structural systems, the core courses in a civil engineering curriculum reflect this. Most civil engineers start their learning with basic physics and calculus courses. Later courses can include geology, soil mechanics, and design of steel structures. A civil engineering curriculum is usually rounded out with advanced classes that match the student's desired specialty, which may hydrology, development of concrete structures, and highway design, among other specialties.
Branches of Civil Engineering
Some of the branches of civil engineering include:
- Transportation – This branch of civil engineering is concerned with developing transportation systems, including highways, airports and runways, and rail systems.
- Environmental – Environmental engineering involves wastewater treatment, air pollution management, and the handling and processing of hazardous wastes.
- Geotechnical – Geotechnical engineering includes the design and construction of rock and soil based structures, including foundations and retaining walls.
- Structural – Structural engineering includes the design and construction of steel structures, including buildings, bridges, tunnels, and offshore structures such as oil rigs.
- Water Resources – This branch includes construction of dams, canals, and water pipeline systems, as well as conservation and resource management.
Civil Engineering Professional Societies
The primary American professional society is the American Society for Civil Engineers (ASCE). ASCE is the oldest professional engineering society in the United States, having been founded in 1852. ASCE is the leader in the development of standards related to civil engineering topics. One of the most well known ASCE activities is its annual National Concrete Canoe Competition, where college students design, build, and race canoes made from concrete. Many other societies exist that focus on facets within the civil engineering profession. Some of these societies include the Institute of Transportation Engineers and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.
Civil engineers have been vital to the advancement of the human race, and continue to benefit humanity through the development of structures and systems that are used daily by millions of people.
To learn about the different types of engineers and what they do, read Engineering 101: The Basics.
Sources
Worcester Polytechnic Institute – Civil and Environmental Engineering Department website
ASCE website
Army Corps of Engineers website
